charcoal choice

[Louis]

Hi everyone,

My question is about charcoal.

I am actually making my third smoke with a picnic shoulder and a small brisket.

The first 2 times i used the cheapest charcoal i could find (walmart&canadian tire), it was royal oak briquet (aounrd 5,40$ for 16 pounds). With water in the pan using the minion methos, it was hard to reach 250F and all vents were open.

This time i pay a bit more (6.75$ for 16 pounds) of Nature's Grilling and now it rocks ! i got 3 vents at maybe 40-40% open and i easily reached 250F ! I think i will even have to close i vents this afternoon.

I cannot find kingsford around, i only found those 2 brands. But, i am wondering, why is there a that big difference between brands ??

thanks

 

[MKEvenson]

Louis, I would think that there was something else different about the 2 cooks. I suppose that the btus produced by the 2 different coals could be sig different, but who know. Since you found one you like, stick with it. If you want higher heat with the cheaper brand, add more air to the mix.

Mark

 

[Corey Elks]

i agree with mark. also if your doing a minion start, add more lit and that should get temps up too.